Nuggets extend Anthony’s deal

The Denver Nuggets exercised a fourth-year option Friday on Carmelo Anthony’s contract, ensuring that the forward will spend at least one more season with the team.

Anthony, the third overall pick of the 2003 NBA draft, is under contract with the Nuggets through the end of the 2006-07 season.

He helped lead Denver to playoff appearances in the last two years and has averaged 20.9 points and 5.9 rebounds in his first two seasons.

Bucks exercise option on Ford

The Bucks exercised a 1-year option on the contract of guard T.J. Ford, keeping him in Milwaukee through the 2006-07 season.

Ford was the eighth overall selection of the 2003 draft and made the All-Rookie second team despite missing the last 26 games of the season with a bruised spinal cord. Then he sat out the 2004-05 season after undergoing cervical spine surgery.

The 22-year-old Ford, cleared to return in June, appeared in six preseason games for the Bucks and averaged 14.8 points and a team-high 5.8 assists. He capped exhibition play with a 22-point, 10-assist effort against Denver.

Clippers waive Rodney White

The Los Angeles Clippers waived forward Rodney White.

White, signed as a free agent Oct. 5, averaged 8.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 17.0 minutes in eight preseason games for the Clippers. In four NBA seasons, he has averaged 7.1 points, 2.2 rebounds and 15.4 minutes.

White was the ninth overall selection in the 2001 draft by the Detroit Pistons.

Rockets hire former guard Ward

The Houston Rockets hired former guard Charlie Ward to become an assistant coach.

The 6-foot-2 Ward averaged 6.3 points, four assists and 1.23 steals in 11 NBA seasons.

Drafted by New York in the first round of the 1994 draft, Ward spent his first 9 1/2 NBA seasons with the Knicks. Ward ranks third on the Knicks’ all-time 3-point list (598) and fifth in steals (744).

Ward spent half a season with the San Antonio Spurs in 2004 before signing with the Rockets as a free agent in August 2004. He played in 14 games and averaged 5.4 points and 3.1 assists with the Rockets before having season-ending surgery on his right knee in December 2004.

Ward, a former quarterback at Florida State, won the Heisman Trophy in 1993.

Hornets waive Lynch

The New Orleans Hornets waived forward George Lynch.

Lynch averaged 3.7 points and 4.0 rebounds in 44 games in 2004-05 but didn’t appear in any exhibition games this season.